In short
- Infants count toward the US Coast Guard passenger limits.
- Bring all your own drinking water and snacks.
- Mosquito repellent is required for island landings year-round.
In this article
Taking kids to a water-based national park requires basic planning. The Miami boat tours depart from Coconut Grove, saving your family a long drive south to Homestead. Here is what you need to know about safety, park rules, and keeping kids comfortable on the water.
Are there age limits for Biscayne boat tours?
Children of all ages are permitted, but infants count toward the total passenger capacity.
The US Coast Guard strictly limits passenger capacity on all tour vessels. Every child, including infants, must be included in your booking. Plan ahead and reserve seats for your entire family to ensure you can board together.
Is the boat ride safe for children?
Yes, guided boat excursions are operated by the official nonprofit Biscayne National Park Institute.
The tours travel through the protected, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Families prone to seasickness should bring motion sickness medication.
What facilities are on Boca Chita Key for families?
Boca Chita Key has restrooms and picnic pavilions, but it lacks drinking water and trash cans.
If you take the Boca Chita Key Heritage Cruise, your family will land on the island. You must pack out all your family's trash to follow Leave No Trace principles. There is no fresh water on the island, so you must bring enough drinking water for everyone.
What should families pack for the trip?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, and insect repellent.
- Sun protection: Secure sun hats and reef-safe sunscreen are mandatory to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
- Hydration and food: Bring plenty of drinking water and a packed lunch for the boat ride.
- Bug spray: Mosquitoes are present on the keys year-round. Apply repellent before walking the island trails.
- Clothing: Pack a light jacket or windbreaker for breezy conditions on the water.
Stiltsville vs Boca Chita Key for kids?
The Stiltsville tour takes 2 hours, while the Boca Chita Key cruise takes up to 4 hours.
The Stiltsville cruise is shorter and stays on the water, viewing six historic houses built on stilts. The Boca Chita Key cruise allows families to get off the boat, walk a half-mile hiking trail, and see a 65-foot ornamental lighthouse built in the 1930s.
Where do families park for the boat tours?
Tours depart from Dinner Key Marina at Pier 9 in Coconut Grove.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure. Paid parking is available near Miami City Hall for approximately $1.50 to $3.00 per hour. Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra travel time. Alternatively, take the Miami Metrorail to Coconut Grove Station and use the free Coconut Grove Freebee shuttle.
Questions travellers ask
Can dogs join families on the boat?
No. Pets are not permitted on the Institute's tour boats or on Boca Chita Key, with the strict exception of service animals.
Can kids swim at Boca Chita Key?
Swimming is allowed, but families should be careful of marine ecosystems. The park rules state that visitors must not touch, stand on, or anchor on coral reefs.
When is the best time to bring kids?
November to April offers the most comfortable weather and fewer mosquitoes. Summer is hotter and buggier, but it is better for water activities.